How to Create Colorful Vector Fireworks in Illustrator

In this Illustrator tutorial we will create vector firework and will learn how to recolor it in different colors. You will also find out how to prepare this vector artwork for sale on microstocks. Enjoy our new tutorial!

Creation of Art Brushes for Vector Fireworks

Step 1

Let’s start our tutorial with the background creation. Take the Rectangle Tool (M) and create a rectangle with linear gradient fill. The gradient consists of dark-blue, dark-violet and blue colors and illustrates the night sky. Please note, we will work in the RGB color mode (File > Document Color Mode > RGB color)

Step 2

Now, somewhere beyond the borders of our artboard create an ellipse with the black fill with the help of the Ellipse Tool (L). The height of the ellipse in my case is 8px, its length doesn’t really matter.

Take the Direct Selection Tool (A) and increase the handles length from the point A in order to make our object look more like a drop.

Step 3

Create one more white ellipse and place it near the right edge of the black form.

Go to the Object > Blend > Blend Options… and set the number of the specified steps in the dialog box.

Select the black and the white object, and then go to the Object > Blend > Make

Step 4

Place the blend object on the background and apply to it the Color Dodge blending mode in the Transparency panel.

Double it a couple of times.

Take the Direct Selection Tool (A) and select the white ellipse of one of the bend objects. Recolor it in blue with the help of the Color panel.

Now recolor the ellipses into different colors in the rest of the blend objects leaving one of them not recolored, i.e. white.

Step 5

Select the first blend object and drag it into the Brush panel. Save the new brush as the Art Brush. Leave the brush parameters as default.

Create the same brushes from the other blend objects.

Creation of Vector Firework

Step 6

And now let’s create our vector firework. Take the Pen Tool (P), choose the first brush in the Brush panel and create a straight segment. This is the first ray of our vector firework.

Click on the P button in order the next segment was not a continuation of the first one and create a new firework flash.

In doing so, we create a bundle of rays diverging from a common center.

Step 7

In order to place accurately the beginnings of all the paths take the Lasso Tool (Q) and select the firework’s center.

Now align the selected points horizontally and vertically with the Align panel.

Step 8

You can change the thickness of some flashes with the Stroke panel.

Using the techniques, described above, create some more rays and apply different thickness to them.

Start the creation with the longer rays and finish with the shorter ones. Select and group (Command / Ctrl + G) all the firework flashes.

Step 9

Now, let’s create some additional glow. Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create a circle with the radiant gradient fill from white to black. Apply to it the Color Dodge blending mode in the Transparency panel.

Create some more similar circles of different size.

Step 10

Take the Star Tool and click on the blank area of the current document. Now set the parameters of the star in the opened dialog box.

Step 11

Fill the star with the radiant gradient from white to black, and then apply to it the Color Dodge blending mode in the Transparency panel.

Place these flashes on some ends of our firework rays.

Creation of color firework

Step 12

And now, since our firework is ready, you can easily recolor it into the necessary colors. To do so, select all the firework flashes and click on the necessary brush in the Brush panel.

Surely, you can recolor your firework not at once, but for example only its separate rays. Everything depends on what effect you’re trying to reach.

Step 13

If you do not want your flashes to be white, when you create color firework you will need to change the color of center slider of the radiant gradient so it matches the ray of fireworks.

Preparation of Vector Firework for Sale on Microstock Websites

Step 14

If you want to sell your artwork on microstock websites, then you need specially to prepare your file. Particularly, your file must not have any open paths. In order to close them, select all the rays of the firework and go to the Object > Path > Outline Stroke.

Thanks for the tutorial. It looks a bit too difficult for me. I think the graphic of the fireworks is beautiful. I was happy to pay $2 for it and I hope more people do so. The tutorial itself is worth a reward. Well done and best wishes for your work.

Hey ! nice tutorial ! I'm a real beginner concerning Illustrator I have one question : I can't recolor any ellipses into green, due to the blending option I guess. How did you for yours ? Thanks for your answer !